Phuket top cop labels bomb threat via Line a “rumor’

PHUKET: The island’s top cop has brushed aside a Phuket car bomb threat circulating on social media sites as only an unsubstantiated rumor. Nonetheless, the governor has asked that police boost security measures throughout the island.

The increased security measures follows a message being passed through the Line application and social media sites that urges readers to be weary of a ‘cream white Honda Jazz car bomb with a black hood’ that would be coming onto the island ‘soon’, and to be especially careful in Patong and Phuket Town.

“This is only a rumor. We are already taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety – there is nothing to worry about,” said Phuket Provincial Police Commander Patchara Boonyasit.

Maj Gen Patchara declined to explain what efforts had been made to verify that the message was only a rumor. However, he reiterated to the Phuket Gazette that the message was in fact a poorly thought out prank.

“Nonetheless, we will inspect every vehicle entering Phuket. I have also ordered Patong and Phuket City Police to be on alert for any suspicious activities,” he said.

“Please do not panic. Everyone needs to be careful about the information they spread – both media outlets and locals.”

Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong pointed out that island officials were already on high alert, following the car bomb incident in Koh Samui (story here).

“Please do not spread rumors like this,” said Governor Nisit, after conferencing with military personnel.

Some additional security measures were already put into place at the island’s malls and popular tourist destinations earlier this week, following the bomb that exploded in Central Festival Koh Samui (story here).

“I have spoken again with staff at Central Festival and Jungceylon. They are already being more vigilant after the Koh Samui incident,” said Gov Nisit.

Both shopping centers have assigned their security staffers to keep an eye on any suspicious activities or items on their premises, he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong